***NCAA Tournament Thread***

megablue

Heisman
Oct 2, 2012
15,522
15,560
113
Houston is chaotic physicality, yet organized, disciplined and under control. THAT is coaching !!
 
Jan 12, 2026
173
272
63
Maybe I'm just gettin old but last nights games put me to sleep and today goin same way. Chalk and refs making sure duke doesn't dare lose.
Hoping for some excitement in later games but man last day and 1/2 snooze fest.
 
Jan 12, 2026
173
272
63
Its gonna be mostly chalk. NiL has changed things.

True and sad same time. 2 of the 3 games on now are complete snooze fests. Had to watch Texas and get rid of 3 box view. Last night actually dozed off ha.
If this trend continues over the next couple of years, madness is just gonna become march meh...
 

HenryMuto

Heisman
Mar 31, 2012
20,581
13,885
113
moreso the transfer portal I think
Well the portal mid major players are moving up to the big teams because they can pay more money so it is 100% NIL causing the bulk of this. They kind of go hand in hand but in the days before NIL some players liked to be the big guy on campus and stay ala guys like Steph Curry ect.

That ain't happening anymore because a power conf will always be able to pay the more money.

UAB had they Big 10 player of the year for 2 years until Michigan opened their wallet.
 

AustinFox

All-American
Oct 29, 2021
2,258
5,786
113
For those who don't think Cinderella is basically dead this was the first day of the 1st round in the tournament since 1992 when zero double digit seeds won. Since 1992 folks. Tell me again how portal and NIL didn't kill the underdog.

Also first time ever back to back tournaments at least one 1-4 didn't lose.

32-0

Sure we got a 12 seed High Point that won and a semi mid major in VCU who was 11 seed that one

Both games barely won

Besides that nada. Last year we had 1 true Mid Major 12 seed McNeese winning 1 game.

The days of 2011 VCU, 2010 Butler, 2011 Butler, 2006 George Mason, 2013 Wichita State, 2023 Florida Atlantic, 2018 Loyola Chi making the final 4 are gone forever.

Even a St Peter's 15 seed making the Elite 8 won't ever happen again.
The first half of your post was spot on.

The second half ... not so much. To speak in absolutes when it comes to sports is ridiculous.

"Gone forever" and "won't ever happen again." Lol.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Legionofdoom96
Jan 30, 2004
105,514
12,526
78
Well the portal mid major players are moving up to the big teams because they can pay more money so it is 100% NIL causing the bulk of this. They kind of go hand in hand but in the days before NIL some players liked to be the big guy on campus and stay ala guys like Steph Curry ect.

That ain't happening anymore because a power conf will always be able to pay the more money.

UAB had they Big 10 player of the year for 2 years until Michigan opened their wallet.
I think they would still transfer even without NIL, but certainly its a factor
 

HenryMuto

Heisman
Mar 31, 2012
20,581
13,885
113
Texas have a bright future with Sean Miller. Another SEC program that’ll routinely be above Kentucky in the SEC standings in the coming years.
I was sad when he left Xavier the first time and I was sad again when he left Xavier the 2nd time
 

HipTer

Senior
Apr 11, 2012
958
643
93
Texas A&M style was a problem for UK due to not having great ball-handlers. Houston has multiple strong Guards who handle well, which makes the style too gimmicky. If UK would have had Lowe I think it may well have been a different result for UK too.
 
Feb 21, 2026
364
411
63
True and sad same time. 2 of the 3 games on now are complete snooze fests. Had to watch Texas and get rid of 3 box view. Last night actually dozed off ha.
If this trend continues over the next couple of years, madness is just gonna become march meh...
I mean do you really wanna see Florida gulf coast in the sweet 16? No you wanna see the teams who played well all season not someone hit 25 threes
 
Jan 12, 2026
173
272
63
I mean do you really wanna see Florida gulf coast in the sweet 16? No you wanna see the teams who played well all season not someone hit 25 threes

No offense, by your logic you'd be pulling for ISU tomorrow as the fave rather than the Cats pulling the upset.
If I wanted to watch status quo, why would I even bother? If you're happy rooting for the favorite every game, good on you. Just not my thing. Cinderella's are great.
 
  • Like
Reactions: HenryMuto

Tri-Countycat

All-Conference
Jul 1, 2025
1,282
2,732
113
Texas is gonna be good with Miller. Their administration didn’t overthink or try to be cute with this hire. They hired a guy that is a proven winner, it’s gonna pay off eventually. Please take note future UK AD.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TommyMansky

FatCatMan

All-Conference
Feb 19, 2026
1,355
3,223
113
Texas is gonna be good with Miller. Their administration didn’t overthink or try to be cute with this hire. They hired a guy that is a proven winner, it’s gonna pay off eventually. Please take note future UK AD.
Better learn to start rooting for other SEC teams in the tournament because living vicariously through their deep runs will be our only satisfaction. We’re screwed.